Literary Translation (Taught)

Overview

At UEA we believe literary translation is an art form. On our MA in Literary Translation, you’ll use your passion for books and languages to learn how to write translations that’ll captivate and inspire readers. You’ll focus exclusively on literary translation, combining translation practice with translation theory. You’ll also gain the academic qualification needed for a career as a professional translator, while laying the foundation for further academic research.

Lead by leading translators, you’ll learn how to pitch a book, write a reader’s report, network, and write translations across different genres. Most of all, you’ll discover what makes a literary translation successful—how to craft authentic voices, make stylistic choices, and experiment with language and form. Through specialised workshops with professional translators and the British Centre for Literary Translation Summer School, you’ll gain valuable industry insights and build your professional network.

Based in Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, you’ll immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene—from regular readings and events at UEA Live to the renowned programme at the National Centre for Writing. You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to join the Editorial Team at Egg Box Publishing and contribute to the publication and launch of our annual anthology.

This course is supported by the British Centre for Literary Translation at UEA and based in the renowned School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing. At UEA you’ll have access to a series of lively events, including translation clinics with the Translators-in-Residence at the BCLT, research seminars, and one-to-one tutorials with professional translators working with your languages.

We’ve been training literary translators for over 30 years. Our alumni include award-winning translator Don Bartlett (who has translated Karl Ove Knausgård and Jo Nesbø among others), Stefan Tobler (who has translated Clarice Lispector and founded the publishing house And Other Stories), Chantal Wright (translator of Yoko Tawada’s Portrait of a Tongue) and Rosalind Harvey (who is a founding member of the Emerging Translators Network and whose translation of Guadalupe Nettel’s Still Born was shortlisted for the 2023 International Booker Prize). Upon graduation, you may follow in their footsteps or pursue a wide range of professions in the creative and cultural industries and beyond.

Disclaimer

Course details are subject to change. You should always confirm the details on the provider's website: www.uea.ac.uk